Signs from heaven to Mike Huckabee

Though Mike Huckabee won't be running for president, he seems to be campaigning on behalf of American Exceptionalism.(Olivier Douliery / Abaca Press/MCT)

Shortly after launching a prayer campaignto help him discern whether or not to run for president, Mike Huckabee announced that he will not seek the presidential nomination.

His decision came out of prayer and guidance from God, according to an explanation he gave on his Fox News program Huckabee.

“I’m a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ, and that relationship is far more important to me than any political office. For me, the discussion and decision is ultimately not a political one, it’s not a financial one, it’s not even a practical one: It’s a spiritual one,” he said, going on to talk about the support he got from his family and voters.

“… Only when I was alone, in quiet and reflective moments, did I have not only clarity but an inexplicable inner peace, a peace that exceeds human understanding. All the factors say “go,” but my heart says “no,” and that’s the decision that I have made.”

Religion Dispatches is reporting that Huckabee, the former Arkansas governer and a Southern Baptist, has also recently been pushing American Exceptionalism, the idea that God has chosen the country to play a special role in history with his new company, which makes educational cartoons.

A poll released last week found that 51 percent of all Americans believe in American Exceptionalism, a concept that’s most popular among Republicans, Tea Party supporters, evangelicals and non-white Protestant Christians.

From the story:

In a news release announcing his new company Learn Our History, Huckabee says, “America’s youth aren’t excited about our past because they’re being taught history in a way that minimizes what has made America a beacon of hope around the world for over 200 years. Instead, history lessons today often focus on America’s faults. It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of giving our children a historically accurate and unbiased education that allows kids today to enjoy and understand our history, and build their pride in our great nation.”

Ronald Reagan is the subject of the first in the video series, and the Learn Our History website sandwiches him between Ben Franklin and George Washington in its banner.

Huckabee has also strongly endorsed Texan and Fox News favorite David Barton, saying all Americans should be forced to listen to every one of his messages. Barton advocates for the country’s Christian origins and discussed his approach to American history on an episode of The Daily Show earlier this month.